Introduction

Abstract

AbstractThe use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the practice of integrative medicine has been steadily growing for the past 20 years. The growth has been partially driven by the population’s utilization of CAM and also by the increase in scientific evidence supporting the use of different treatments. Many medical centers within the United States have formalized integrative medicine programs to help guide patients in the use of CAM and to provide CAM services. This book outlines integrative medicine programs at five leading National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The focus is on how these centers started their programs, what they are currently doing, and recommendations for starting integrative medicine clinics. Four of the centers also describe inmore detail specifics for one aspect of their research program. This allows the reader to see one aspect of the research that is being done in more detail. Some chapters also focus on more general topics such as the potential harm from CAM, legal issues surrounding CAM, and how to communicate with patients about CAM. This book is for people wanting to start integrative medicine programs and to improve the care for people with cancer across the nation and the world.KeywordsOncologyintegrativemedicinecomplementary medicinecancer centers